Christmas Cards

I like to send Christmas cards to people I see rarely like old colleagues with a letter to catch up and get news. Sometimes phone and e-mail not necessarily at Christmas but sometimes during the year.
I buy charity cards they are just part of Christmas for me it's no big deal but if you don't want to send cards or can't afford it then don't.
The people I know who don't send cards just e-mail it's just part of keeping in touch with old friends.

keep a list each year,if i dont get one off someone cross off my list,keep few address one i need to post on a piece of paper with list saves having to find address,cuts down on time and stress.received my first xmas card in post today 28th november from old friend from years ago she is first every year.i hate this job but this way it is less stressful

I buy mainly charity cards to send though I do sometimes make a few for family members, and send 80-100. I try to make each one personal by adding a sentence or two giving news etc. I don't resent the cost as I would happily buy the recipients a coffee if I saw them. It is a bit of a lengthy job but doing it matters to me. I like receiving cards and always display them all to get maximum pleasure from the efforts made by others.

Thankyou Blue60. I don't have a lot of spare time but card making would be ideal. I adore hand made items and I think this is something I could quite enjoy. Birthday cards too.

Because we live abroad the cost to send Christmas cards to the UK and Ireland last year was just over £40. This does not factor in the cost of the cards. I really do wonder why we spend so much, when there are people struggling and homelessness is still an issue. Do we put more value on a piece of card from a distant relative/friend than helping those less fortunate than us?

I take your point nookie but I think the issue of homelessness etc is with us all year whereas sending a small token in the form of a card to loved ones at Christmas shows that they are in your thoughts and that you care about them.

Just had a fb message from son-in-law's parents to say how much they liked their personalised Christmas card (done through one of the on line companies). I try to choose a card that reflects their interests. She collects teddy bears so chose a card with 2 bears and added the couples names. She going to frame it after Christmas to add to her collection.

Many years ago, a death in our family meant no cards were sent. It was amazing how the number we received dropped the next year!
Since then, I haven’t sent any cards, and maybe receive a dozen or so, mostly from neighbours.
I make 3 or 4 Christmas telephone calls to faraway friends.